Is There a Good Reason NOT to Buy an A6 TDI?

[g huns]

I've been tooling around in my B6A6 6 speed for several years. It is my first and only Audi so far. It's been a good car, most of the time, and a GREAT car for midwestern winters. She's pushing 200K, headliner is falling down, rust is starting to form on the driver's front wheel well, it's just time to move on.

I had been looking around at used S4s and S5s, reading up on the info around here. That led me to the decision that if it doesn't have a 6 speed, I don't want it. That dramatically cuts down on the inventory of vehicles out there, even when searching nationwide.

Somehow, I made a wrong click, and ended up looking at a 2014 Audi A6 TDI Prestige. Damn, it's a nice looking car. Started reading up on the diesels, including Dieselgate, them sneaky Germans.

Now I find myself searching for a reason to NOT buy one. I found a 2014 Premium Plus TDI with 22,000 miles, at a dealer less than 100 miles away, for $25G. With the extended warranty from the emission scandal, that seems like a steal.

I'm probably better off without an Audi that starts with an "S", and though I haven't driven one, that diesel torque seems like exactly what I've been missing while driving a stock 1.8T.

So, talk me out of it. What's the possible downside?

[Shuga]

The 3.0 still is a fast car.

[g huns]

The 3.0 still is a fast car.

I know. But does my insurance company?

I am firmly in middle age, but my driving record where speeding tickets are concerned doesn't do much for my rates.

Gotta believe anything with an "S" will be a noticeable increase.

[DetRebel]

I know. But does my insurance company?

I am firmly in middle age, but my driving record where speeding tickets are concerned doesn't do much for my rates.

Gotta believe anything with an "S" will be a noticeable increase.

My insurance went down going from A4 to A6 with 3.0t. I don’t think they care that it’s faster. They extra safety features outweigh that concern.


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[Fourplay]

I bought a bunch of them to participate in the buybacks, if they happened. Ended up not working out, and had to sell them myself.

They are excellent cars - the 12 I owned never had a single engine or transmission issue. Very reliable, even the internal electronics (part of this is because they are fairly new, but still).

The TDIs are such an amazing deal right now, it's hard to ignore, especially with the warranty.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

25K seems like a decent price but not quite a steal. Some things to consider would be what your actual yearly fuel costs would be for the TDI vs the 3.0T, sometimes it takes a long time to even out purchase price differences if you can get a 3.0T for less, it seems the TDI's carry a bit of a premium over the 3.0T's around here. If you care about sound you might want to listen to the Bose vs B&O. The heads up display is kind of neat as well but hard to say how much you might want it personally. I think that the extended powertrain warranty goes to 100k?

[A6sport]

OP: B6 A6?

B6 A4 maybe... :-) Jump on the TDI, to me it sure sounds like a "steal."

If you can, find one in prestige trim.

[Fourplay]

25K seems like a decent price but not quite a steal. Some things to consider would be what your actual yearly fuel costs would be for the TDI vs the 3.0T, sometimes it takes a long time to even out purchase price differences if you can get a 3.0T for less, it seems the TDI's carry a bit of a premium over the 3.0T's around here. If you care about sound you might want to listen to the Bose vs B&O. The heads up display is kind of neat as well but hard to say how much you might want it personally. I think that the extended powertrain warranty goes to 100k?

For the same year/options, the prices are basically the same at this point between a TDI and a 3.0T. In many cases, a TDI with the same specs/year/mileage will actually be cheaper than the 3.0T. People hoarded them prior to the announcement of the reapir (hoping for buyback like the 2.0L TDI cars). Because of this, the market got flooded and prices are significantly down.

Factor in the much improved mileage and the warranty, and the TDIs are clearly a better deal. The warranty is the longer of: 10 years from in-service date/120,000 miles OR 4 years from first sale after repair/48,000 miles.

So a 2014 with 22k miles has 5 years and 100k miles of warranty left.

[wwhan]

Some things to consider would be what your actual yearly fuel costs would be for the TDI vs the 3.0T, sometimes it takes a long time to even out purchase price differences if you can get a 3.0T for less, it seems the TDI's carry a bit of a premium over the 3.0T's around here....

Around here Premium gasoline is about the same price or more than diesel and diesel gets better fuel mileage. The main benefit with the diesel is the low end (street) torque.

I see a used (non-diesel) 2014 Audi A6 3.0T Premium quattro with 26,793 miles for $26,200 at Carvana: https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1215518

I think it comes down to whether you prefer a diesel & want a longer warranty.

Maybe do some more searching? https://www.autotrader.com/

[Shuga]

My insurance went down going from A4 to A6 with 3.0t. I don’t think they care that it’s faster. They extra safety features outweigh that concern.


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Mine is more for the A6, then for my A4

[dubspeed22]

I did a lot of research myself. Sold my s4 b8.5 a couple years ago and missed an Audi bad. Found out I’m having a baby boy in a couple months so bought a 14’ a6 black on Black prestige b/O package, sport, and I absolutely love it. Look for excuses to drive it. It had 24k miles on it and I paid $29k from north bay dealer in CT. I paid a premium but I wanted specific stuff, I tracked them for months and glad I was able to grab the one I got bc there’s not much tdi@‘s left. Little louder then I’d like bc of post fix but can feel the quality and pulls like a freight train

[g huns]

I did a lot of research myself. Sold my s4 b8.5 a couple years ago and missed an Audi bad. Found out I’m having a baby boy in a couple months so bought a 14’ a6 black on Black prestige b/O package, sport, and I absolutely love it. Look for excuses to drive it. It had 24k miles on it and I paid $29k from north bay dealer in CT. I paid a premium but I wanted specific stuff, I tracked them for months and glad I was able to grab the one I got bc there’s not much tdi@‘s left. Little louder then I’d like bc of post fix but can feel the quality and pulls like a freight train

A picture of one like yours is what got me looking at them. I've never been into the A6, but that thing is sweet. For some reason, we just don't have any around here so I've never seen one driving around town.

Congrats on the kid. I'm at the other end of that process. Mine both moved out within the last year. My wife has always drove the "good" car, and one big enough to haul people. We've had her Lexus RX350 for almost 10 years and put about 200K trouble free miles on it. I love it because it NEVER breaks, but don't care to drive it because it's boring as hell. An A6 would probably make more sense for us now size wise. Her RX can take a break and when she wants to road trip to see the kids, we'd have something getting high 30s MPG.

[Shuga]

Lexus’s are super super boring to drive. Good cars but they have the personality of a chair

[Audibot]

I absolutely love my TDI. As FourPlay has said, absolutely no issues with the engine and transmission. Just a couple strange behaviors with my phone and the MMI, and a mirror that wouldn't unfold.

By me, the price of diesel sits close to but slightly below Plus (91), so it's not too bad to fuel up either.

[Shuga]

I’d go for it. It seems like it has potential to be a fantastic car

[Kevin1]

I love my 2015. Here are a few magazine articles you may find interesting. You should find out if the car has had the EPA fix. With the EPA fix came a warranty and the re-triggering of lemon law coverage.


https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...l-test-review/

https://autoweek.com/article/car-rev...e-review-notes

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonfo...iesel-does-it/

[Burnt]

I also have a 2014 3.0 TDI. The 10 year extended warranty is only for the emissions aspect, unless they specifically say the 10 year covers the entire powertrain. I do believe the turbo is included in the emissions.

The torque is fun, would like to have more power. Might be jumping towards a larger downpipe and a tune myself. Haven't had a problem with the car yet :D

[bpd]

Nothing wrong the the TDI. Dieselgate created stigma on that motor. That is probably why you are asking. If you don't mind keeping it for a while, its ok. Just don't expect good resale. There is a thread on the 3.0T of some class action lawsuit on emission cheating. Im on my 2nd Audi and I think resale on them are not great at all anyway. So go for it.

[Kevin1]

The EPA warranty covers the turbo, the long block, the dpf, various sensors and the exhaust, plus other items I don’t currently remember.

[Shuga]

The whole dieselgate scandal got blown out of proportion. The cars still operated perfectly

[socialpro]

We've had our 2014 A6 TDI now for over 4 years and its hands down one of the best cars we've ever owned (so much so it's almost impossible letting her go!). Car now has almost 60K miles.

Great mileage to the tank (saves time at the pump), reliable (no dealer visits outside of TDI fix, regular maintenance), and comfortable and roomy for a family. Has plenty of pick up and go, and with the sport package it's not all lincoln in it's drive. Just had a 2019 A6 as a loaner and like the '14 way more.

The only gripe is the seats can be a bit more supportive other than that shes a winner.

Good luck!!

[67ITB]

I now have 135K miles.

Regular services, brakes, tires and windshield washer fluid!

I had zero issues before the EPA update and had just 1 CEL since the update and it was for a DPF sensor. Dealer fixed for free and provided a loaner no other issues.

I love getting 600 miles out of a tank with my mixed commute (33.?? MPG at the pump) saving the time not having to stop twice during the week.

While it is slightly louder than it was before the fix, it is still almost silent sitting in the car. Coworkers always say something along the lines of “I thought you had a diesel!” Not realizing it’s a diesel as it’s really no louder than most cars on the road. Although its “loud” for a luxury car! LOL.

I have replied to several similar threads with more in-depth positive write-ups about my TDI if you want to search by my user name.

Matt

[Shuga]

I think you should just do it already haha

[Kevin1]

I now have 135K miles.

I had zero issues before the EPA update and had just 1 CEL since the update and it was for a DPF sensor. Dealer fixed for free and provided a loaner no other issues.

Matt

Matt,

I have not done the fix yet. Can you tell me what year is your car and what was the mileage when you got the fix? How long has it been since you got the fix? How long did you own the car before the fix? Thanks

Kevin

[Shuga]

Matt,

I have not done the fix yet. Can you tell me what year is your car and what was the mileage when you got the fix? How long has it been since you got the fix? How long did you own the car before the fix? Thanks

Kevin

If it isn’t broke don’t fix it haha

[Wander]

Does your state require emissions for a diesel? I ask because mine doesn’t (GA). I had a 14 Passat tdi and loved the economy, the car had some issues. I ended up taking the deal as I netted about $9k, and I knew there was expensive issues coming , unrelated to the engine. That’s not the same engine, but just a background. I’ve heard from friends that kept their tdi’s (2.0 and 3.0) that the “fix” dropped the mpg by about 10-15 over all and they also notice less torque , more sluggish off the line. I would think that you’ll have more bargaining room with the tdi since the media coverage was brutal to the image.

[OC Pablo]

Just do it.

I recently picked up a 2016 MY A6 TDI w/black optics and S pkg. Bought it with 6K on the odo, due to the diesel issue the only person who drove it was the GM of the local dealership. It literally sat for over 9 months until I picked it up at a HUGE discount. You have read all the warranty stuff... with the exception of a front rotor that has a bit of a scar on it due to it's long term parking (was planning on a brake upgrade anyhoo...), thing is rock solid. APR does have a tune kit for the TDI, I have experienced it in another A6 and it is very nice, typical APR. I think the kit takes the 3.0 TDI to 300hp and over 500ft lb..

For reference, I came from a Hyundai Genesis (my second one), which I loved. There is NOTHING on the road that has the room and quality for the price. I decided to step up to the Audi for two reasons... the local Hyundai dealership service departments have gone to total shit AND I wanted to get back into an Audi (previously owned a 2K S4.)

I love this car. It is a bit 'truckish' noise-wise until the block warms up, and then once inside it is very quiet. Torque is one thing, but the way this car jumps from 60-90 on the highway is awesome. No loud engine noise, just a gentle yet strong thrust into the back of your seat. This car will comfortably haul ass and give me 38MPG in return. Gearbox/paddle shift mapping is great, breaks are solid, a bit of road noise due to the 20" and low profile P Zeros. Only two things it does not have my Gen had I really miss. Adaptive Cruise (was not on this car when made) and CarPlay (which I have recently found a method to upgrade.)

Let be serious for a minute... this car will give me 40-42MPG at 75mph all day long. My typical range to a tank is 560+ miles. Diesel is more expensive, but out here in DemoCommie land of SoCal where we get taxed on everything from asswipe to AR's... the cost of Diesel has gone from $3.59 to $3.79. I can typically find it in that range just about anywhere. (Although I only need to fill up every two weeks and I drive a bunch for work.)

The only cost surprise for me... Oil. I have cases of M1 in the house, ran it for decades in everything. Now I need to use something that is Diesel specific and there are limited options and I am now paying DOUBLE for oil.

OK... so the trade off is in fuel cost savings. Good with it.

Oh... and the way it looks.... yeah. This thing is an absolute ghost to cops... they never see it, never hear it.

[Shuga]

Doesn’t Malone make a tune for it too?

- - - Updated - - -

That’s a beauty btw.

[67ITB]

Matt,

I have not done the fix yet. Can you tell me what year is your car and what was the mileage when you got the fix? How long has it been since you got the fix? How long did you own the car before the fix? Thanks

Kevin

Hope this isn’t a hijack, as its still related to TDI ownership.

I have a 2014 A6 TDI Prestige, S Line cold weather package, LEDs, no HUD, no B&O with 135K miles and so far it’s only needed routine maintenance. Tires, Brakes, Windshield Wipers, filters, and such.

I purchased it brand new in late 2014, and in 2016 the car sat for almost an entire year while I was away for work. So my miles are probably 75% highway.

Fortunately for me I can’t warn you about what to look for, but can reassure you if it’s been well maintained you can drive worry free like me.

About a year after the EPA fix I had my first and only check engine light! (I was @ 122K miles) VAGCOM scan said it was the diesel particulate filter. Took it to the dealer and it was a sensor and not the actual DPF. Either way it was fixed for free as part of the TDI warranty.

From the VAGCOM
15474 - Particulate Matter Sensor P24AE 00 [232] - Electrical Malfunction MIL ON -

Post EPA fix I feel its louder when warming up, gets slightly worse fuel economy (approximately 33.XX MPG verse approximately 34.XX MPG before)

I love getting 600 miles out of a tank with my mixed city/highway commute (33.?? MPG at the pump) saving the time not having to stop twice during the week.

and it generally runs at a higher RPM, (or maybe it’s in a lower gear?) around town, but if that’s all you know, you would never know its any different post fix.

Even post EPA fix from the outside of the car it’s not loud, but it’s loud for an Audi if that makes sense?

Its just slightly louder than you would expect for a luxury car, but from the cabin its still quiet. But again, if you didn’t know if pre EPA fix, its probably not noticeable.

I have a few other write-ups about the A6 TDI if you want to search by my name. Since so few of us post about the TDI I feel obligated to reply to the questions.


The car is an amazing tank in the snow, has great torque, and a smooth highway cruiser and as someone above said its invisible to the police and doesn’t look or sound loud when just flying down the highway. Although with the LED lights on (NOT flashing high beams) its more than enough to "encourage" people to get the heck out of the way! A security gate guard recently told me I look like a space ship pulling in! LOL.

EDIT TO ADD
I forgot to mention that pre fix the light to add DEF would come on around 9K miles saying I had 1K miles of DEF remaining, but post fix its been coming on around 8K, so approximately 1K fewer miles per tank of DEF. I am pretty sure Audi said they would top off between services as part of the scandal settlement, but my dealer is 20 minutes away from my normal drive so I don't bother going to see them for this.


Matt

[Kevin1]

Hope this isn’t a hijack, as its still related to TDI ownership.

I have a 2014 A6 TDI Prestige, S Line cold weather package, LEDs, no HUD, no B&O with 135K miles and so far it’s only needed routine maintenance. Tires, Brakes, Windshield Wipers, filters, and such.

I purchased it brand new in late 2014, and in 2016 the car sat for almost an entire year while I was away for work. So my miles are probably 75% highway.

Fortunately for me I can’t warn you about what to look for, but can reassure you if it’s been well maintained you can drive worry free like me.

About a year after the EPA fix I had my first and only check engine light! (I was @ 122K miles) VAGCOM scan said it was the diesel particulate filter. Took it to the dealer and it was a sensor and not the actual DPF. Either way it was fixed for free as part of the TDI warranty.

From the VAGCOM
15474 - Particulate Matter Sensor P24AE 00 [232] - Electrical Malfunction MIL ON -

Post EPA fix I feel its louder when warming up, gets slightly worse fuel economy (approximately 33.XX MPG verse approximately 34.XX MPG before)

I love getting 600 miles out of a tank with my mixed city/highway commute (33.?? MPG at the pump) saving the time not having to stop twice during the week.

and it generally runs at a higher RPM, (or maybe it’s in a lower gear?) around town, but if that’s all you know, you would never know its any different post fix.

Even post EPA fix from the outside of the car it’s not loud, but it’s loud for an Audi if that makes sense?

Its just slightly louder than you would expect for a luxury car, but from the cabin its still quiet. But again, if you didn’t know if pre EPA fix, its probably not noticeable.

I have a few other write-ups about the A6 TDI if you want to search by my name. Since so few of us post about the TDI I feel obligated to reply to the questions.


The car is an amazing tank in the snow, has great torque, and a smooth highway cruiser and as someone above said its invisible to the police and doesn’t look or sound loud when just flying down the highway. Although with the LED lights on (NOT flashing high beams) its more than enough to "encourage" people to get the heck out of the way! A security gate guard recently told me I look like a space ship pulling in! LOL.

Matt

Thanks for taking the time to make such a great write up. I also love my TDi. I will probably bite the bullet and get the fix in April of 2020

[g huns]

...The only cost surprise for me... Oil. I have cases of M1 in the house, ran it for decades in everything. Now I need to use something that is Diesel specific and there are limited options and I am now paying DOUBLE for oil.

Is good ole Rotella T6 no bueno for these cars?

[67ITB]

Thanks for taking the time to make such a great write up. I also love my TDi. I will probably bite the bullet and get the fix in April of 2020

EDIT TO ADD
I forgot to mention that pre fix the light to add DEF would come on around 9K miles saying I had 1K miles of DEF remaining, but post fix its been coming on around 8K, so approximately 1K fewer miles per tank of DEF. I am pretty sure Audi said they would top off between services as part of the scandal settlement, but my dealer is 20 minutes away from my normal drive so I don't bother going to see them for this.

Matt

[Shuga]

What’s the pro to actually fixing it though?

[g huns]

Welp, my diesel dreams died today.

The wife is getting a great deal on 2015 Lexus RX350.

My boss, who lives down the road from us, stopped by on Saturday to check out my progress on some home improvement projects I'm doing. I mentioned looking for a new car. He mentioned he was planning to get his wife a new Lexus.

Ironically, it was me that steered him away from small German SUVs and towards the Lexus. I joked at the time with his wife, take care of that car. That's my wife's next "new" car.

So my wife and him have been in negotiations since then, and finally came to terms. It's a great deal, can't really pass it up. But I refuse to have two car payments so looks like my trusty B6 will have to stay as my DD for awhile.

I appreciate all the info. Maybe in a couple years when my wallet recovers from this round of home improvement, I'll be back in the market.

[Shuga]

No, we won’t let you go to the boring side.

Get the TDI. They’re going to be harder to find as time goes on.

[g huns]

No, we won’t let you go to the boring side.

Get the TDI. They’re going to be harder to find as time goes on.

Well, I don't mind boring, as long as I don't have to drive it. And if it's like our old RX, I'll never have to work on it.

Might have to go back to my original plan of an S5 or S4 to replace my B6. It'll probably be something with higher miles that I can pay cash for. It would mean a V8 in the S5. Which ain't all bad.

My wife assumed I'd take her old Lexus and get rid of my A4. And by any objective measure, a 2007 Lexus is a far better car than 2004 A4. But I'll be keeping mine for now.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[Shuga]

Yikes. Just live it up and buy two cars at once. Life is short


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[g huns]

Yikes. Just live it up and buy two cars at once. Life is short


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Too short to go through it broke, but driving a sweet ride.

Of course that's a middle-aged dude perspective. When I was younger, I would not have seen it that way.


Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[Gunmeister]

I flew to Chicago for my 2016 A6 TDI. It had 12k miles and I bought it for 44k. I had am 02 and a 05 Jetta tdi before this and also a 2012 A6 3.0 that was terrible on fuel economy i couldn't take it anymore.

I don't regret my purchase at all. The car was originally 78k it was special ordered and has the audi exclusive line as well as comfort seats. Just do your research so you don't buy one and realize there is more options you may have wanted since it being a diesel in theory should last a very very long time.

For the A6 night vision and B&O is very hard to find and if you do find it usually the person didn't get a better package (in my opinion) like the comfort seating package or sport package. I had the night vision in my 2012 A6 and it was cool but if it was to hot outside it didn't work and was more of a gimmick and Audio can always be upgraded. Also something to note is the A6 got a face lift in 2016 that changed the headlights and added LED tail lights as well as different bumpers. The MMI also got an upgrade that gives you the hardware to run things much better. You can also activate android auto ect with the help from a guy on these forums. So to find a 2016 TDI with the face lift and all the options you want is very difficult. I had 3 cars sell out from under me before I got mine.


I do wish my local Spokane Washington dealer was better though.

I've driven it 6k miles since then most it it highway driving home and the only issue I had was my dome light went out and my mmi screen motor got stuck but both were fixed under warranty.

[g huns]

...Maybe in a couple years when my wallet recovers from this round of home improvement, I'll be back in the market.

Welp, not the TDI I dreamed of, but it's good to have a fun car back in the garage...